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RV travel expected for Baby Boomers

Despite the tough economy, Baby Boomers are expected to hit the road in recreational vehicles as part of their retirement experience.

With the arrival of spring and the travel season ahead RV veterans and probably many rookies are thinking about the wide open spaces and key among them are the Baby Boomers, who make up a good portion of the on-the-road market.

"These boomers are creating a tremendous surge in RV purchases, even in a down economy," emphasizes BoomerRVer.com.

A survey of RV owners by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) shows 55 percent of survey respondents intend to use their RVs more this spring/summer than last year, and 45 percent are considering another purchase.

A release said a primary reason why so many RVers will be traveling — and even buying in this economy — this spring/summer is that they appreciate the value they get compared to flying, driving and staying in hotels.
RV companies themselves anticipate new RV customers among the Baby Boomer population.

“All along, for the last four or five years, we’ve known the baby boomer population is coming. Every month there will be 350,000 potential customers in the baby boomers through 2030,” Winnebago CEO Bob Olson said in a BoomerSummit post.

“There is a potential opportunity for our customer base to grow. A portion of them will want to join the RV lifestyle. This bodes well for us in the future.”

RV sellers even look to the federal stimulus bill as a potential for a boost in sales.

According to the RV association, buyers who meet income requirements will be able to take advantage of the new federal stimulus plan that provides for a deduction of sales and excise taxes on the first $49,500 of a new motorhome purchase.

“RV travel continues to appeal to people looking to save money and cut costs,” says Richard Coon, president of RVIA. “By having their homes-on-wheels with them, RV owners receive a bigger bang for their buck than other types of vacations offer.”